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By Habibu Harisu/Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state on Sunday survived the tough challenge of Ahmed Aliyu and his godfather Senator Aliyu Wamakko of the All Progressives Congress to win re-election for a second term.
Although he lost in the collated result for 35 polling units in Kebbe LGA, he was able to edge his opponent, his former deputy, by retaining the lead, winning by just 341 votes.
He polled 512002 votes, while his APC challenger got 511661 votes.
After the results from 21 LGAs were tallied, Tambuwal led with 2057 votes, after polling 506,545 votes. Aliyu, his APC challenger had 504,488 votes.
However, the margin of APC’s victory in Kebbe was not enough to change the final picture.
APC polled 7177 votes while PDP got 5457 votes.
The returning officer Professor Fatima Mukhtar, vice chancellor of Federal University of Dutse is set to announce the final result for all the 22 LGAs.
Meanwhile, the PDP presidential candidate in the February 23, 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar has commended the victories of the candidates of the PDP in both Sokoto and Benue states, saying that their successes are an acknowledgement from the Nigerian people that it is the only truly national party in Nigeria.

A congratulatory message signed by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe states in part: “ Atiku Abubakar congratulates His Excellency, Governor Aminu Tambuwal on his re-election and assures the good people of Sokoto state that they have made the right decision that will see them continue on the path to peace, progress and prosperity.

“He also congratulates Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state over his very well deserved re-election. Mr. Ortom is not just a credit to the PDP, he is also an epitome of servant leadership which he urges all and sundry to emulate. With him again at the helm of affairs in Benue, the people of the Breadbasket of the Nation can look forward to times of refreshing and deliverance.

“Atiku Abubakar shares solidarity with Alhaji Bala Mohammed and Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, who have made a great showing in Bauchi and Kano states, respectively. Victory is within reach. “They have shown that they are men of the people and we are convinced that much good will come out of these men of enviable talents and leadership ability.

“He congratulates the Peoples Democratic Party and all its members on these gains. He affirms that PDP is the true bastion of democracy and should be encouraged by these victories.

“According to him, with unity within its midst, it will together continue to extend the boundaries of democracy and shrink the space occupied by tyranny.”